I want to equip my 69 Beetle (VolksRod) with AC, but do not like the kits that hang under the dash.
Has anybody installed AC using parts from other cars that hid the system?
I searched the forums, but found nada.
I am not fond of reinventing the wheel if somebody else is already rolling.

I want to equip my 69 Beetle (VolksRod) with AC, but do not like the kits that hang under the dash.
Has anybody installed AC using parts from other cars that hid the system?
I searched the forums, but found nada.
I am not fond of reinventing the wheel if somebody else is already rolling.

A lot of Rat Rodders will use the rear unit out of a conversion van. They are pretty self-contained. Should be able to fit it up front under the "hood". No personal experience, though. I had planned on just rolling my windows down.

Joined: October 14, 2007Posts: 9871Location: Flippin' a Belt Off .....

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2017 6:53 am Post subject: Re: 69 Beetle AC

Also Classic Auto Air and Vintage Air have nice remote (trunk) units.
Old units.. are sometimes a gamble.. good/bad.

I've thought about A/C in Beetles a while.. always disliked the units that confine the front legs even more.. also.. dont want to loose any front trunk space...
If I ever give it a shot.. I think I'd try rear package shelf mounted A/C's .
Just about 99% of universal under dash units from the 60's will fit in the back, also many remote "trunk" units available.
The rear Van units may can also be made to work in the back..

The idea came when I found reference to a self contained Australian unit that replaced the entire package shelf floor..

Evaporator and condenser in one box.... could work with some isolation, insulation and tweaking.. No different idea than a window unit on a home..
If plumbed and vent correctly seems like a great idea..
I can't wait for electric refrigerant compressors to get more reasonably priced..
May try something some day.. right now.. just sweat it out.

Joel wrote:

._________________aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
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Thank you friend. I am a mad researcher before I make a decision. I will add this to the mix. I am also investigating the feasibility of piecing AC together from parts from several cars. I know there are some small compressors out there.

If you are pulling it yourself, make sure you get the climate control console with it as well - dual control with fan speed. My club members are dissecting the wiring diagrams but it doesn't look too difficult to get up and running.

That look a hell of a sight easier than the mess the PO of my fire aero was trying to accomplish with a vintage air kit. the whole thing should fit right under the rear cowl.

What are they using for the compressor? Did the Mercedes unit use the same compressor as the main unit or a secondary compressor._________________71 LWB Manx style dunebuggy
71 Beetle
71 Volksrod
Machette Speedster
2012 Passat TDI SE (sadly sitting in a buyback parking lot somewhere waiting for it's heart to be ripped out.)

That's a good question John. I'm assuming there is just one compressor, but I'll ask the guys who are pulling the parts to see if they noticed.

Do you still have your F/A?

Yeppers, still sitting out back under the carport. Sadly I haven't touched it in a year. Boating weather was too good last summer.

Actually thinking about thinning the heard and keeping only the FA, the Machette and my 71 Bug. Sold two boats last fall and the kids show no interest in the Wave runner anymore so I think it's going on the net as soon as good weather bumps the demand and prices for water toys _________________71 LWB Manx style dunebuggy
71 Beetle
71 Volksrod
Machette Speedster
2012 Passat TDI SE (sadly sitting in a buyback parking lot somewhere waiting for it's heart to be ripped out.)

If I ever give it a shot.. I think I'd try rear package shelf mounted A/C's .
The idea came when I found reference to a self contained Australian unit that replaced the entire package shelf floor..

Evaporator and condenser in one box.... could work with some isolation, insulation and tweaking.. No different idea than a window unit on a home..

Joel wrote:

Believe it or not, I actually have one of those package shelf units like the one shown in the magazine article pictures above, NOS. Compressor is still sealed and according to the directions it is pre-charged with R12. _________________"Just $99 down and $64 a month for 36 months buys you a brand new Volkswagen Beetle!"

mark tucker wrote:

I wouldent waste $ or thyme on building a small motor. build it big so it dosent have to work hard.remember it's only as fast as your foot alows it to be unless you build a small turd then it just stinks as it squishes up through your toes when you step on it.

Okay, here's a real stupid, redneck hillbilly question: Has anyone ever considered mounting a small 110v window-style room air conditioner in the back seat area and running it with a 12v to 110v power inverter?